Contents :
- Butter clarification – origin
- How is ghee clarified butter made ?
- Smoke point of clarified butter
- Clarified butter – properties
- Butter clarification – application
- How to store clarified butter?
- What are the health benefits of ghee?
Butter clarification – origin
Clarified butter originates from India and is called " ghee " or " ghi ." The butter clarification method originated over 4,000 years ago, and ghee has been widely used in cooking ever since.
Hindus consider it the best fat in the world and use it not only for cooking but also for religious purposes. It is used in Vedic rituals, during weddings and funerals, and to fill oil lamps during ceremonies.
Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, recommended the use of ghee during meditation, attributing various healing properties to it.
How is ghee clarified butter made?
Authentic Indian ghee is made from buffalo or cow's milk . First, the milk is made into classic butter. The resulting butter is then slowly heated and melted over low heat to remove water and protein. The water evaporates, and the solid particles collect as a sediment, which is then removed.
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The result is pure fat, free from other ingredients. Clarified butter has an amber-gold color and is slightly transparent in its liquid form. Its flavor is naturally buttery, with a light, nutty aroma.
Smoke point of clarified butter
The smoke point is the temperature at which heated fat begins to break down into glycerol and free fatty acids, losing all nutritional properties and releasing toxins.
Clarified butter has a smoke point of 252°C , significantly higher than most oils. For comparison, the smoke point of regular butter is 177°C. Home frying typically doesn't exceed 180°C, so clarified butter can be used for frying.
Clarified butter – properties
The clarification process removes all substances that are not milk fat from butter. This includes milk sugar, making clarified butter suitable for consumption by lactose intolerant individuals and those with cow's milk allergies. It also provides fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
The health-promoting properties of ghee have been known for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Perhaps surprisingly, clarified butter can help treat circulatory diseases, which are caused by an excess of saturated fatty acids. Ghee provides both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
However, ghee contains short-chain saturated fatty acids, which are easily digestible, improve hormonal balance, and do not increase the risk of atherosclerosis or heart attack. This type of fatty acid is also found in natural coconut oil.
Clarified butter contains a significant amount of cholesterol, but it is not oxidized cholesterol, which is responsible for cardiovascular disease. Oxidized cholesterol is produced by prolonged heating at high temperatures.
It may also increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL), which is responsible for transporting cholesterol to the liver, where it is excreted.
Consuming ghee in moderation won't raise your cholesterol levels. It's recommended to consume no more than two tablespoons of ghee per day.
Additionally, it contains linoleic acid, which prevents the development of cancer cells and cell damage caused by free radicals, and has a beneficial effect on the heart. It may also support weight loss and the reduction of body fat.
One of the short-chain saturated fatty acids is butyric acid , which has beneficial effects on the digestive system. It reduces excess stomach acid, nourishes the lining of the digestive tract, and has antiviral properties. It may even prevent the development of cancer.
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According to Ayurvedic practitioners, ghee supports brain function, making thinking, memory, and learning processes more efficient. They also believe it prolongs life.
Butter clarification – application
Clarified butter is similar in use to regular butter. It has a high smoke point, so it can be safely used for frying, baking, and stewing.
It can be used to prepare a variety of dishes, from meats and vegetables to rice, cereals, cakes, and sauces. It gives fried foods a golden crust and a unique flavor. It's also efficient—one tablespoon of ghee can replace four tablespoons of vegetable oil, making it an economical choice.
Due to its lactose-free nature and high content of healthy fats, ghee is ideal for those following high-fat diets , such as the ketogenic diet. It helps achieve ketosis by providing the body with energy from fats rather than carbohydrates.
How to store clarified butter?
Ghee butter stays fresh for a very long time – several or even a dozen months. Pure fat is an environment that is not conducive to bacterial growth.
It's best to store it in a tightly sealed jar away from sunlight (e.g., in a cupboard) to prevent it from going rancid. You can also keep it in the refrigerator.
What are the health benefits of ghee?
Why is it worth incorporating clarified butter into your kitchen? To summarize, here are the benefits of ghee:
- fatty acids contained in ghee do not contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases,
- does not increase blood cholesterol levels (in reasonable amounts),
- has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and digestive processes – it reduces inflammation, regulates the amount of stomach acids, nourishes the digestive tract and prevents its ulceration,
- supports metabolism and fat reduction,
- contains vitamins A, D, E, K,
- does not contain lactose,
- suitable for frying at high temperatures,
- stays fresh for a long time,
- improves the taste of the dish 😊
